January 2019 Student of the Month
Meet Stefanie Lanschuetzer, age 21, from Austria. Currently in the Private Pilot rating.
Stefanie Lanschuetzer was selected for Kona Base Student of the Month for January 2019, when she was handed the awarded she was in shock. Her smile was from ear to ear. Yes Stefanie this award is for you, your hard work and dedication to aviation put you top of your class. We took a moment to ask Stefanie a few questions:
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to become a helicopter pilot?
I knew I wanted to become a helicopter pilot very early, basically in Kindergarten, it was my first job wish ever, and it has been a goal ever since.
Do you have a favorite helicopter to fly?
I’ve only flown R22s so far, so I don’t have any other options to choose from, but I really like these ones. Later on, I’d love to fly bigger ones for sure.
What obstacles have you had to overcome to get where you are today?
There were actually no big obstacles, there was a lot of work, effort, and payments to do to get the visa and all the documents and then come here and settle everything, basically starting a new life far away from home, but it was definitely an exciting and challenging journey. The worst part was the goodbyes at home, but as soon as they were done there was just pure excitement.
Where do you hope your training will take you?
I definitely wanna work as a CFI for a while, and then just get as many flight hours and experience in as many fields as possible, flying in snow and in the mountains a lot and as soon as I’m ready to settle somewhere I’d love to fly rescue or medical helicopters in the Alps.
What advice would you give to people just starting out in their training?
I’d say, just go for it!!!
There will be tougher times but it’s only depending on you how you handle it and how you’re planning on reaching your personal goal. Enjoy and appreciate the privilege of being here and doing the most awesome thing in the whole world in such a heavenly place, flying helicopters.
What has been your favorite experience while flying with MLH?
Learning all the maneuvers is one of the best experiences to me. It’s super interesting and I just love learning new stuff. All while enjoying an awesome view and getting a goggle face tan in the cockpit.
What made you pick MLH for your training?
I found it on the Internet because of the F1 Visa, researched a little and started email contact with you and then the decision was basically made. Of course, the location was definitely no disadvantage as well.
What is your favorite thing about training in Hawaii at MLH?
About flying in Hawaii I really love the views, it’s just incredible to see all that nature on the island from above. Also, the weather is a great thing, we’re able to fly basically every day. About MLH I love that everyone is just super nice and helpful, it feels like we’re one big family, it’s just awesome to be here.
Keep up the hard work Stefanie! Hope to see a checkride posting soon!